Super Eagles: Seven Most Expensive Nigerian Football Transfers Ever

Nigerian footballers have made their mark in the global transfer market by joining some of Europe’s top clubs for hefty sums. Here, we list the seven priciest transfers involving Nigerian players, ranked by reported fees.

These high-value moves underline the talent Nigeria produces and how sought-after Super Eagles players are internationally.

7. Taiwo Awoniyi – €20.5 Million (Union Berlin to Nottingham Forest, 2022)

Awoniyi’s path in Europe was slow to start. After joining Liverpool in 2015 as a teenager, work permit issues kept him from playing competitively for the Reds, leading to multiple loans. His breakthrough came at Union Berlin, where his goals and presence upfront caught attention.

Nottingham Forest, newly promoted to the Premier League in 2022, invested €20.5 million to sign him—making Awoniyi their most expensive acquisition then. He justified the cost with key goals that helped Forest avoid relegation and earned caps for the Super Eagles.

6. Terem Moffi – €22.5 Million (Lorient to Nice, 2023)

Moffi has emerged as one of Nigeria’s exciting strikers, known for strength and sharp finishing. After establishing himself at Lorient in Ligue 1, he impressed enough during a loan at OGC Nice to prompt a €22.5 million permanent move in 2023, ranking among France’s biggest transfers that year.

5. Odion Ighalo – €23.3 Million (Watford to Changchun Yatai, 2016)

Ighalo was among the first Nigerians to command a massive transfer fee to China during the Asian football boom. After a prolific spell at Watford, he moved to Changchun Yatai for €23.3 million in 2016, making him one of Africa’s highest-paid players at the time.

He later featured for Shanghai Shenhua, Al Shabab, and had a notable loan at Manchester United in 2020. For Nigeria, Ighalo led scoring at AFCON 2019, helping the team to third place and remains a respected figure in Nigerian football.

4. Calvin Bassey – €23 Million (Rangers to Ajax, 2022)

Bassey’s standout 2021-22 season helped Rangers reach the UEFA Europa League final through his versatile defensive performances. Ajax signed him for €23 million in 2022, setting a record for the most expensive Nigerian defender ever.

Though he struggled initially, Bassey found form before moving on to Fulham in the Premier League. He continues to be involved with the Super Eagles and is viewed as part of their future.

3. Kelechi Iheanacho – €27.7 Million (Manchester City to Leicester City, 2017)

Once a bright prospect at Manchester City, Iheanacho transferred to Leicester City in 2017 for €27.7 million. His time at Leicester has seen ups and downs, but he played a pivotal role in their 2021 FA Cup win, scoring crucial goals along the way.

That season marked his peak performance, finishing as Leicester’s top scorer. Iheanacho has also scored important goals for Nigeria in AFCON and World Cup qualifiers.

2. Alex Iwobi – €30.4 Million (Arsenal to Everton, 2019)

Iwobi’s move to Everton in 2019 for €30.4 million surprised many. Developed at Arsenal’s academy and an FA Cup winner, his transfer was part of Everton’s rebuilding process.

After a shaky start, he grew into a key player, often deployed in deeper midfield roles. He later joined Fulham and became a regular starter. Iwobi has over 60 appearances for Nigeria and scored during AFCON 2019. His versatility and online presence make him one of Nigeria’s most followed players.

1. Victor Osimhen – €78.9 Million (Lille to Napoli, 2020)

Victor Osimhen stands far ahead on this list. Napoli paid €77.5 million to sign him from Lille in 2020, setting not only a Nigerian record but also Africa’s highest-ever football transfer.

Osimhen’s impact was immediate. In the 2022–23 Serie A season, he led Napoli to their first league title in over three decades, finishing as the top scorer. His goals, leadership, and grit turned him into a hero in Naples.

For Nigeria, Osimhen is the main striker, consistently delivering in major qualifiers and tournaments. His journey from Lagos to becoming one of Europe’s deadliest forwards inspires many.